We are starting to work on a tool to assist oncologists with prescribing chemo protocols. This is not a promotion post and we do have an oncologist as part of the team. I'm looking for some collective wisdom and providing (in return) a list of resources I've found so far in my research.
- Chemotherapy protocols by PHSA (BC, Canada) - this is widely accessed globally as a reference - link
- Chemotherapy Order Templates by NCCN (US) - I believe this is de facto database for all providers in the US (it's behind a paywall) - link
- Chemotherapy Regimens by NCCP (IE) - link
- Chemotherapy Protocols and Documents by Northern Cancer Alliance / NHS (UK) - link
- Guidance by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Hotline / NHS (UK) - link
These are all collections of PDF documents with better or worse navigation. So far I haven't seen any sort of database available.
I'm looking for other sources to be added to the above list and anyone interested and/or knowledgeable in the subject to get in touch to discuss how we can improve the tools in this area.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31527373 ; https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/502135
Iyikesici MS1,2.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Despite introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents, outcomes of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer are still poor. Metabolically supported chemotherapy (MSCT) is a novel approach targeting dysregulated energy mechanism of the tumor cell.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to examine the efficacy of metabolically supported administration of chemotherapy combined with ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
METHOD:
This retrospective observational study included 25 patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal carcinoma (stage IV) who received MSCT (either gemcitabine-based or FOLFIRINOX regimen administered concomitantly with induced hypoglycemia) plus ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and HBOT combination. Survival outcomes were evaluated.
RESULTS:
During the mean follow-up duration of 25.4 ± 19.3 months, median overall survival and median progression-free survival were 15.8 months (95% CI, 10.5-21.1) and 12.9 months (95% CI, 11.2-14.6), respectively. Age and gender did not have any effect on overall survival (p > 0.05 for all).
CONCLUSIONS:
MSCT administered together with ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and HBOT appears to be a viable option with the potential to improve survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Further research, particularly with larger comparative clinical trials, is warranted.
I'm known amongst my family and everyone else for not being an emotional person and always "The strong one" in the durations of tragedy. Crying in public is a personal taboo of mine (for me anyways), but in private I'm relatively sensitive and save all that for when I'm alone. I tried suggesting to my Mom that this is something we should do at home but they were insistent about coming in; the appointment has already been made and I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression by backing out of it. I'm willing to go through with it.. I just need help being strong.
